Month: April 2021

When you’re moving a distance that takes several days to drive, you’ll need a good essentials kit. That means you’ll have to leave some stuff out while you’re packing so that you have it available when you need it.

Many people pack too much and miss out while they’re on the trip. But you don’t have to.

Keep these five things with you to help make your move as smooth as possible.

1. New Location Documents

Whether you are buying or renting your new home, you will have many documents to manage. You should bring things like the lease, closing documents, utilities and more.

Other important documents you should keep with you include things like your passport or birth certificate, legal documents, financial information, school records, and medical information. Make sure that you keep them safe and out of sight.

If you signed up for utility services, it’s wise to have a printed record with contact information just in case they aren’t working when you arrive.

2. Trip Reservations

Printing out maps and itineraries seems so outdated now. And yet, they could be vital – what happens if you lose your phone?

You don’t need to carry a huge stack of paperwork everywhere you go. Just having the information for the places that you plan to stay may be enough.

If you’re flying, don’t forget your boarding pass and identification. If you’re driving, you’ve got more flexibility. Just remember to keep all those documents in a safe spot of the car.

3. Drinks and Snacks

Many people like to drive their vehicles instead of transporting them in a moving truck. If you’ve got days of driving ahead, it’s wise to prepare for it.

Make a list of your favorite snacks and drinks and stock up before you leave. Be realistic when you shop. A road trip is no time to start a strict diet.

If you’re bringing the kids and pets on the trip, remember to get the things they like, too. That way, you won’t have to stop as frequently.

4. Basic Care Supplies

Think about the things that you would need for any other type of long-distance trip. Include clothing, personal hygiene items, medications, electronics, and chargers.

Using the list, pick a suitcase that you can easily pick up and move from a car or airport baggage claim. If you’re worried that you won’t fit everything, try a few methods to pack a suitcase efficiently.

5. An Open-First Box

Pack an open-first essentials box. This box contains all the things you’ll need to get started in your new home, like towels, laundry soap, and essential kitchen items.

It’s tempting to throw almost everything in here. To keep it simple, focus on the things you’d otherwise have to buy your first night.

If you have the room, consider bringing the box with you. That way, you won’t have to worry about the arrival of the moving truck.

Long-Distance Moving Pros

A long-distance move is a big deal, so you’ll need to prepare. To learn more about how professional movers can make your experience much less stressful, ask for a price quote today.

You have made your way to your new house to call home with the help of professional movers. However, in a new location in a place that may not yet quite feel like home, you may feel a bit less than secure. About 38 percent of people in the US have a home security system or line of protection, but just after a move, you may not have that system set up just yet. In the lag time between the day you move in and the home security system installation, there are a few things you can do to make your new property as secure and safe as possible.

1. Change Your Locks

The realtor handed you your keys to your new home, and that was likely a great feeling. However, you never really know how many copies of keys are out there in the hands of others. Therefore, one of the first things to do once you get to your new home is to change your door locks. 

2. Make Sure All Access Points Are Locked

Most homes have a good dozen or more entry points, and you should check entry points first thing. Make your way through the house and make sure:

• Your windows are locked on every floor
• Any entry doors – including a side garage door – are appropriately locked and secure
• Basement or attic entry or access points are secured (e.g., basement windows, attic roof access panels, etc.)

3. Install Your Window Treatments Early On

Lowering visibility into your home thwarts people with ill intent from seeing you, your family, and what you own. For security purposes, make installing blinds, curtains, and other window treatments a top priority when you get to the new place.

4. Keep Your Property Well-Lit

Good lighting can do a lot to deter thieves, vandals, and squatters who may still think the property is empty. For your first few nights in your home, keep the property well-lit, inside and out. Go ahead and replace bulbs in your porch or landscape lights, install new fixtures if needed, and leave a light on in the house when you head to bed.

5. Pick Up a Small Security Camera

Security cameras are far more accessible now than ever. You can pick up a small surveillance camera at most retail and home improvement stores that you can wirelessly connect to your phone or laptop. These cameras can be mounted in just a few minutes and can really help you feel more secure in those initial days at the new place.

Make Your Move Quick and Safe with Professional Movers

Did you know that having professional movers help with your transition can be the safer option when moving? Having pros helping you through the process means the transition happens quickly, fewer onlookers are likely to take notice, and pro movers will not leave your belongings vulnerable positions. 

Reach out to us today. We can provide you with a free quote and get you safely to your new home.